My teachers never did anything to help
Becca, Canada
This happened 10 years ago but it still affects me.
In junior high (grade 7-9) I was sexually harassed because I answered a question. I was happy and confident and liked to answer questions if I could in school. I made sure no one else wanted to answer first and then I would try.
A popular boy in my class must have hated me because of this. One day, he went to the board during class to write out an answer and instead wrote that I was in love with him and wanted to have sex with him.
Needless to say, I was embarrassed but went up and erased the message.
Then he began sitting behind me in class and started to whisper sexual scenarios to me. Then he would slide his hand up my leg, blow in my ear, and whisper during class.
I told him repeatedly to Stop! Go Away! Leave me alone!and still he continued.
I started to react more violently. He sat on my desk one day and I shoved him to the floor. I would slap away his hand if he touched me.
The worst part was teachers saw this and never said anything or did anything to help.
I finally decided to report him. At this same time, another boy seemed to like me. The first one found out and he picked him up by his shirt collar and told him “I’ll get you if you talk to her again”.
I ran all the way back to class and from then on did nothing to stop it. I never reported him. I was too scared I would be hurt if I did.
All of these years later it still bothers me and has affected my relationships. I am anxious and nervous all of the time and rarely trust people. I often avoid people and situations that remind me of that school. I tell myself it is silly to still be bothered by this incident and find it hard to seek help. I just wish I could be free from all of this.
Becca, I am so sorry you are still haunted by this, and I understand completely your nervousness. But don’t discount what you did to stand up to this creep. I know of women twice and three times the age you were then who do nothing at all to fight off abusers. They just stand there and take it. You fought back. Know that you are a brave young woman, then and now. -Jennifer